Environment

A 35-foot sailboat named ‘Ramblynn,’ which ran aground on the reef in the Tranquility channel off Ambergris Caye in March this year is likely to remain there forever.

On Wednesday, November 23rd, Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez and Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez and his team promoted using biodegradable products, such as groceries bags, at a presentation at the San Pedro Lions Den. The enforcement will see reusable bags available at the different establishments for around 50 cents. The populace and business sector are encouraged to make this their standard practice to avoid using plastic items and give back to the island town community, which turns 38 on Sunday, November 27th. The demonstration emphasized how hazardous plastic can be for fragile marine ecosystems like those around the island, thus, the importance of getting everyone on this campaign.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, south of Caye Caulker, is a marine protected area and a haven for the native Antillean manatees. A visit to this area promises an unforgettable experience viewing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is managed from an office established in Caye Caulker known as Friends of Swallow Caye. Their efforts have inspired both locals and visitors, leading to fundraising campaigns. One of these is currently by a 17-year-old high school student, Natalie Schnurman, from New York, United States of America (USA).

At a press conference in Belize City on Thursday, November 17th, Oceana Belize announced the commencement of a countrywide signature collection drive to trigger a national referendum regarding oil exploration in Belizean waters. Vice-President Janelle Chanona said the decision was made following a conversation with Prime Minister Honourable Dr. John Briceño in September. She claims it confirmed the current administration’s intention to proceed with seismic testing in Belizean waters with prior approval from the public. However, GOB clarifies that it has not entered into any agreements for seismic studies nor for oil exploration in offshore areas.

Belize is truly an ecological paradise. Home to more species of wildlife than any one person could possibly name, but there’s few critters roaming this jewel that have as many myths and misconceptions surrounding them as crocodiles do. The image of a large croc gliding easily through the water is a stunning sight, but where some see beauty and predatory perfection, the image conjures up fear and hatred in others.

It has been over a week since Hurricane Lisa devastated sections of Belize City and surrounding areas. San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker were some of the places spared by the Category 1 storm. Besides torrential rains and wind, the hurricane put the Boca del Rio beach nourishment project to the test. The project is to tackle the erosion problem that is fast eating away at San Pedro beaches. According to the latest update from the beach reclamation program team, the beach was not phased by the torrential elements.

As Category 1 Hurricane Lisa was battering the country's old capital, Belize City, on Wednesday, November 2nd, the barrier reef along the coastline was roaring as it held back the distant waves. Thanks to our ever-present reef, the storm surge on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and other coastal communities were minimal within the hurricane's radius, and our island home only experienced minimal damage from Hurricane Lisa.

The Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, has launched two essential policy documents considered vital to the proper management of all natural resources under his ministry. The two policies include the Belize Blue Economy Policy and Strategy and the Belize Maritime Economy Plan. The ministry is developing a master plan to identify the country's resources that need preserving and creating regulations and best practices to protect them. Most important is to determine the type of development(s) are suitable within these protected jurisdictions.